One of Ireland's top health experts has said that the current Covid 19 restrictions in place will be eased in the coming weeks as the peak of the current wave of infection is set to hit by mid-September.
Current guidelines on masks on public transport and while moving around indoors will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Prof Philip Nolan said the best thing Government can do is to give the vaccines time to take effect which means either seven or 14 days after the second dose, depending on what type the individual received.
NPHET will meet later this week as discussion take place with the Government over the next phase of relaxing restrictions.
There are currently over 300 people being treated in hospital for Covid 19 and 60 in ICU.
Speaking to Newstalk, Professor Nolan said: "To a certain extent, the current case numbers were expected. What they’re showing us is, quite simply, that the vaccination programme isn’t finished yet."
"The number that matters is around 75% of the adult population are 7-14 days after completing their vaccine regimen - and therefore have achieved the maximum level of immunity."
However, certain regulations will remain in place for the foreseeable future such as mask-wearing.
"We’re going to be living with some level of mask-wearing," he said.
"Easing of restrictions is going to happen… but the advice or requirement to take some of those simple measures which cost very little but protect us greatly is going to remain."
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